According to Mirror, as cited by HITC, Leicester City are weighing up a move for Diego Llorente. The Real Sociedad defender has been identified as a top target of Brendan Rodgers, and his reported £45 million release clause could be triggered. However, they could face stiff competition from West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur in the pursuit of Llorente.
Do Leicester need a new defender?
Leicester City had to deal with the departure of star player Harry Maguire in the summer. The English international, who was a cog in the Leicester backline, moved to Manchester United in a big-money move. The Foxes were always destined to struggle following the loss of Maguire.
But, that’s when Caglar Soyuncu chose to step up to the plate. The Turkish international, who endured a forgettable debut season in England in the 2018/19 campaign, is now one of the most sought-after defenders in Europe. Indeed, Soyuncu has built a solid defensive partnership with Jonny Evans that has helped Leicester accumulate as many as 23 points from their opening 11 matches this season.
However, the Foxes must still sign another defender considering the fact that they don’t really have any alternatives for Evans or Soyuncu, having failed to sign a Maguire replacement in the summer. Wes Morgan is already 35 and cannot be considered as a reliable alternative.
Llorente, in that regard, can not only serve as a long-term replacement for Morgan but can also provide competition for Soyuncu and Evans. Also, Soyuncu has already been linked with a move away from King Power Stadium, thanks to his impressive performances in the Premier League this term.
How will Llorente improve the Leicester defence?
Unlike Maguire, Llorente is not someone who can dominate the attackers with his physique. Instead, he relies on his technicality and positioning sense to clear out potential attacking moments for the opposition.
As you would expect from most Spaniard, the 26-year-old is a gifted passer of the ball, having attained a pass completion rate of 87%. His impressive ball distribution will help add a new dimension to Leicester’s build-up from the back, especially with players like Dennis Praet and Youri Tielemans playing in midfield.
Speaking of the midfield, Llorente can be utilised as a holding midfielder, which would provide Rodgers with additional tactical choices. But most importantly, it is his composure and mentality that is sure to help Leicester become more resilient when facing superior opponents as the Foxes aim to keep up their early-season momentum throughout the course of the campaign.
